Roast Beef For Christmas
The festive season is here and what better way to spread joy and cheer than by treating your loved ones to a mouthwatering feast? While Christmas is often associated with sweet treats and desserts, it is time to turn the spotlight on a savoury star that will steal the show at your festive table – Herb-Crusted Roast Beef.
Roast beef is a timeless classic but this recipe takes it to a whole new level with a fragrant herb crust that adds depth and flavour to every bite. Here is a guide on how to create a show-stopping centrepiece for your Christmas dinner celebrations.
Herb-Crusted Roast Beef Ingredients:
4-5 pounds of beef roast (such as ribeye or sirloin)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
Herb-Crusted Roast Beef Method:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 190°C. This ensures that your roast beef cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden crust.
Prepare the Herb Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients together to form a fragrant herb rub that will infuse the roast beef with rich flavours.
Prepare the Beef:
Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieving a crispy crust. If the meat is too moist, the herb rub will not crisp properly.
Apply the Herb Rub:
Brush the entire surface of the beef roast with Dijon mustard. This not only adds a tangy kick but also helps the herb rub adhere to the meat. Once the mustard is applied, generously coat the roast with the herb rub, ensuring an even layer on all sides.
Sear the Roast:
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until it forms a golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and adds a delightful texture to the finished dish.
Roasting Time:
Place the seared roast in the preheated oven. Roast the beef for about 20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches your desired level of pinkness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy and to ensure the meat is cooked correctly.
Basting:
A crucial step in the process of creating your herb-crusted roast beef is to baste every 30 minutes. Baste the roast with a mixture of beef broth and red wine (if using). Basting keeps the meat moist and imparts additional layers of flavour.
Resting Period:
Once the roast reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent the roast with foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender result when sliced. During the resting period make your gravy! Please see down below.
Carving:
After the resting period, carve the roast beef into thin slices. The herb crust will create an enticing aroma and the perfectly cooked meat will be a sight to behold.
Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the slices on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your favourite side dishes. Whether it is roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes or your savoury gravy, this herb-crusted roast beef will be the star of your Christmas feast.
Elevate Your Herb-Crusted Roast Beef with Flavorful Homemade Gravy
No Christmas feast is complete without a rich and luscious gravy to complement the star of the show – the Herb-Crusted Roast Beef. Making gravy from the pan juices of your roast beef is surprisingly simple and adds an extra layer of indulgence to your Christmas meal. Follow these steps to whip up a velvety gravy that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients for Gravy:
Pan juices from the roasted beef
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Flavorful Homemade Gravy Method:
Collect Pan Juices:
Once you have removed the roast beef from the oven, transfer it to a cutting board to rest. Pour the pan juices from the roasting pan into a separate bowl or measuring cup. Skim off any excess fat that rises to the top.
Prepare Roux:
In the same skillet you used to roast the beef, discard any burnt bits but keep the flavorful residue. Over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the skillet. Stir continuously to create a smooth roux. This will be the thickening agent for your gravy.
Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. This step enhances the depth of flavour in your gravy. Allow the wine to simmer for a couple of minutes.
Add Pan Juices:
Gradually whisk in the reserved pan juices from the roast beef. Ensure there are no lumps by whisking continuously. The mixture will begin to thicken.
Incorporate Beef Broth:
Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously. This adds volume and richness to the gravy. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Season to Perfection:
Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the pan juices and beef broth already have some saltiness, so taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Strain (Optional):
For a smoother texture, you can strain the gravy to remove any remaining solids. This step is optional, as some prefer the rustic appeal of a chunkier gravy.
Keep Warm:
Once the gravy reaches the desired thickness, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. This ensures it stays warm and ready to be served alongside the herb-crusted roast beef.
Serve with Style:
Pour the savoury homemade gravy into a stylish gravy boat and place it on the table alongside the carved herb-crusted roast beef. Watch as your guests delight in drizzling the luscious gravy over their portions.
Christmas Dinner Ideas: Herb-Crusted Roast Beef
Indulge festive flavours with Herb-Crusted Roast Beef and homemade savoury gravy. This dynamic duo will transform your classic roast into a show-stopping masterpiece. As you gather your loved ones around the Christmas Day table, savour the joyous moments and the aroma of perfectly roasted herb-infused beef. The simplicity of the classic roast is elevated by the bold flavours of fresh herbs, while the velvety richness of the accompanying sauce adds an extra layer of indulgence. May your Christmas be filled with warmth, laughter and the satisfaction of a flavourful feast – Merry Christmas!
If you are looking for delightful dessert recipes to eat after your herb-crusted roast beef, try this cranberry orange bundt cake or these tasty Christmas cookies.
